Document
OAS-28A (5/15)
Interagency Aviation
Information Bulletin
No. IA IB 26-02 Date: June 2 , 2026 Page 1 of 1 Subject: Non-Leather Flight Boots IALSE Guidance Clarification Area of Concern: PPE/IALSE Distribution: All Aviation Personnel Discussion: Current IALSE Handbook guidance references the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory USAARL-approved boot list when addressing authorization for non-leather flight boots. Recent clarification identified that this reference is no longer current.
The USAARL boot list cited in the IALSE Handbook is no longer actively maintained; however, boots included on that list remain approved for use. Approved boots are now managed through the Air Force Safe-to-Fly (StF) Boot List, which serves as the current standard for approved boots.
As a result: • Boots listed on the USAARL list remain approved for flight use if serviceable.
• The USAARL list is no longer updated and does not include newly approved boots.
• The Air Force StF Boot List is the current source for newly approved flight boots.
The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center has confirmed this policy alignment remains current as of February 16, 2026.
How to access the most up-to-date list: The Air Force StF Boot List is the current source for approved boots. The current Air Force StF Boot List can be found on the DOI Aviation Safety website. This memorandum will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure the most current information is available.
Bottom Line: Aviation personnel should no longer rely on the USAARL boot list when determining compliance. Approved boots must be verified against the current Air Force StF Boot List to ensure they meet flight requirements.
/s/ Keith C. Raley /s/ Lori Clark Lori Clark Keith C. Raley Branch Chief Division Chief, Aviation Safety and Training Aviation Safety Management Systems Aviation Operations and Management USDA, Forest Service U.S. Wildland Fire Service U.S Department of the Interior